World media on India’s student protests:NYT says protesters ‘did not back down despite bloodshed; Guardian says students remain defiant

A march led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) was held from Jantar Mantar to Parliament in Delhi on Monday, during which several clashes broke out between protesters and the police. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, while incidents of stone-pelting were also reported. Several protesters and police personnel were injured in the violence. The protests have attracted widespread international attention, with leading global news organisations, including The New York Times, The Guardian, and the BBC, carrying prominent coverage of the movement. Here’s how the foreign media reported on India’s youth-led protests. The New York Times: ‘Protesters did not back down despite police action’ The New York Times reported that thousands of young people protesting against alleged irregularities in the education system and recruitment examinations remained defiant despite police action. According to the report, a day after clashes erupted during the Parliament march, large numbers of protesters returned to Jantar Mantar, continuing to demand accountability from the government. The newspaper said police used batons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators marching towards Parliament. Protesters claimed they had received no concrete response from the government regarding their demands. Citing protest organisers, The New York Times reported that 150 protesters were injured during Monday’s clashes. Delhi Police, meanwhile, said 118 police personnel were injured and around 70 protesters were detained. Despite the crackdown, the report said the demonstrators vowed to continue their protest. The Guardian: Protesters not ready to back down The Guardian reported that the student protest has continued despite police action, with thousands of demonstrators returning to Jantar Mantar a day after Monday’s clashes and vowing to carry on with the movement. According to the newspaper, more than 50,000 people took part in Monday’s protest. As demonstrators marched towards Parliament, police blocked their route with barricades. The report added that internet services were suspended before police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. Citing protesters and eyewitnesses, The Guardian reported that women and children were among those injured during the police action. The newspaper said around 60 people were injured, while one protester was admitted to intensive care with serious injuries. The report said the movement has grown beyond demands for education reform, with many young people taking to the streets to express wider frustration with the government. Police, meanwhile, said their actions were a response to the protesters’ conduct. Al Jazeera: ‘Students refuse to back down despite police crackdown’ Al Jazeera reported that student protesters remain determined despite the police action during the march to Parliament. According to the report, large numbers of demonstrators returned to Jantar Mantar the following day, despite the use of batons and tear gas, and vowed to continue their movement. The report said police fired tear gas shells at protesters marching towards Parliament, leaving more than 100 students injured. It also described scenes of broken barricades, scattered belongings and visible signs of clashes at the protest site. According to Al Jazeera, public anger has been building over the past two months over alleged paper leaks in entrance examinations and irregularities in the evaluation process. The report also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not publicly commented on the protests at the time of publication. The report added that Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi voiced support for the protesters. Citing analysts, Al Jazeera said the movement has intensified the debate over government accountability and the functioning of democratic institutions. BBC: ‘Thousands returned to protest despite police action’ The BBC reported that thousands of protesters gathered again at Jantar Mantar the day after the police action, signalling their determination to continue the movement. According to the report, police used batons and tear gas against demonstrators during the Parliament march, leaving at least 60 people injured. Delhi Police, meanwhile, said 118 police personnel were injured and around 70 protesters were detained. The BBC also reported that police dismantled the stage and temporary shelters at the protest site. Several protesters told the broadcaster that women were among those injured during the police action. The report added that neither the police nor the central government commented on the use of batons and tear gas. The BBC also highlighted a statement by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who described the students’ demands as legitimate, urged the government to respond, and joined Congress MPs in a march towards the Prime Minister’s residence. Dawn: Student movement gave opposition a chance to corner Modi government Pakistan’s Dawn reported that the student movement has provided India’s Opposition with a fresh opportunity to challenge the Modi government. According to the newspaper, nearly all major Opposition parties rallied behind the protesters following the police action. The report said widespread images of the clashes and the police response prompted Opposition leaders to publicly back the movement. Citing political analysts, Dawn wrote that the protests could help the Opposition connect with young voters, but warned that the students’ core demands risk being overshadowed by political narratives. The newspaper also highlighted Rahul Gandhi’s statement backing the students’ demands and calling for the Education Minister to resign.